SOLANA BEACH, Calif., August 10, 2026
Artelo Biosciences, Inc. announced that the first patient has been dosed in the Phase 2 DREAM study, evaluating ART27.13 as a potential treatment for patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The investigator-led study, funded by Glaucoma UK and the HSC R&D Division, is designed to assess whether the orally administered synthetic cannabinoid can reduce intraocular pressure (IOP), a major modifiable risk factor associated with glaucoma progression. The study is sponsored by the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and conducted by the Northern Ireland Clinical Trials Unit, with Professor Augusto Azuara-Blanco of Queen’s University Belfast leading the clinical investigation. Initial results from the DREAM study are expected in Q4 2026, potentially providing an important clinical assessment of ART27.13 in ophthalmology.
ART27.13 Targets Intraocular Pressure Through Peripheral Cannabinoid Receptors
The DREAM study is evaluating whether ART27.13 can provide a new approach to controlling elevated IOP through activation of cannabinoid receptors in ocular tissues. ART27.13 is a peripherally selective synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist designed to act primarily outside the central nervous system. This characteristic could be important because cannabinoid-based approaches have historically raised concerns regarding central nervous system and psychotropic effects. Investigators will evaluate the drug’s impact on eye pressure and tolerability, helping determine whether peripheral cannabinoid signaling could represent a viable therapeutic mechanism for glaucoma. Glaucoma remains a major global health burden and is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, with elevated IOP serving as the primary modifiable risk factor for disease progression. Current treatment approaches rely heavily on topical medications, which can be affected by adherence challenges, local tolerability issues and limitations in maintaining long-term disease control.
DREAM Study Expands Clinical Potential of ART27.13
The Phase 2 glaucoma program expands the clinical development of ART27.13 beyond its earlier investigation in cancer-related appetite and weight loss. The compound has previously been evaluated in seven clinical studies involving more than 280 participants, supporting continued investigation of its safety and pharmacological characteristics. Artelo is also evaluating ART27.13 in the Phase 2 CAReS study as a supportive-care treatment for cancer patients experiencing anorexia and weight loss. Interim findings from CAReS indicated that patients who had lost at least 5% of body weight and received the highest evaluated ART27.13 dose achieved an average weight gain of approximately 6% over 12 weeks, while placebo-treated patients experienced additional weight loss. The glaucoma program represents a separate potential application of the compound, with ART27.13 being administered orally at a daily dose of 650 µg. The DREAM study could therefore provide clinical evidence supporting the broader development of ART27.13 across multiple disease areas involving peripheral cannabinoid signaling.
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Artelo Biosciences Advances Ophthalmology Development Program
The initiation of patient dosing represents an important clinical-stage milestone for Artelo Biosciences as it explores new applications for lipid-signaling modulation. The company believes the peripheral selectivity of ART27.13 may allow systemic activity while reducing unwanted central nervous system effects, although the DREAM study will need to establish whether this proposed advantage translates into meaningful clinical benefits. The upcoming Phase 2 data will be particularly important because the study must demonstrate not only whether ART27.13 can lower intraocular pressure, but also whether the treatment is sufficiently safe and tolerable to justify further development. With initial results expected in Q4 2026, the DREAM study could provide an important readout for Artelo’s ophthalmology strategy and help determine the future development path of ART27.13 in glaucoma and ocular hypertension.
Source:Artelo Biosciences press release
